Origins & Craftsmanship

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a barrelproof bourbon (typically around 116.8 proof / 58.4% ABV) created by blending 6-, 8-, and 12-year-old whiskies from Wild Turkey Distillerys rickhouses, with no added water before bottling.

Aroma (Nose)

• Opens with rich toasted caramel, vanilla, butterscotch, and sweet baked apple, layered over a floral backdrop reminiscent of spring flowers and honeyed almonds.

• Subtle fruitiness hints at green grape or dried red fruit, with light orange or cola spice rounding out the bouquet .

Palate & Mouthfeel

• On the palate, it delivers a sweet and spicy mix: caramel, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, vanilla, and rye-derived cinnamon/black pepper spice.

• Flavors of toffee, fig, leather, tobacco, and molasses deepen over sips. A woody backbone provides structure, though never overwhelming the sweetness.

• Texture is oily and viscous, though slightly leanthe proof is present but smoothly integrated.

Finish

• The finish is medium-to-long, with lingering sweet oak, spice, and light citrus zest (notably orange/lemon peel), followed by herbal tobacco or licorice notes and balanced dryness from oak tannins.

• Despite its high proof, Rare Breed offers a nice Kentucky hugwarmth and weight without harsh fire.

Profile Highlights

• A bold expression of Wild Turkeys mash bill (75% corn / 13% rye / 12% malted barley) that stays approachable and balanced despite its intensity .

• Offers the value of full-flavor barrel proof sipping at a widely accessible price point.

• Often viewed as the go-to gateway barrel-proof bourbon, delivering depth and proof without extreme burn .

Best Uses & Pairings

• Neat or with just a few drops of water to open aromatics and soften edges. Ideal in a Glencairn glass to explore its layered character.

• Exceptional in cocktails like a strong Old Fashioned, Manhattan, or stirred whiskey drinkRare Breed maintains its presence among mixers.

• Enjoy with roasted meats, grilled fare, or chocolate-based desserts to complement its rich caramel and spice character.

Final Take

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon is balanced mastery of proof and flavoroffering caramel sweetness, spicy depth, and cola-tinged complexity wrapped in oily mouthfeel. At its price and availability, it remains one of the most compelling barrel-proof bourbons for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

58.4% ABV (116.8 Proof), 750 ml

This is the bestBourbon Wild Turkey makes, a cut above the 81 and 101 proof Bourbons!

“Unctuously generous with dried fig and apricot, laced with loads of clove and mace, this full-bodied spirit has superb balance and shows classic bourbon qualities of toasted corn, vanilla, and power. A splash of water reveals even more fruit, including ripe plum and black cherry.” 94 Points, 2021 Ultimate Spirits Challenge